Miscellaneous Information

Nondiscrimination Policy

Open Kitchen, a ministry of Redmond UMC, is committed to its volunteers being able to work in an environment that is free from any form of discrimination, including harassment of racial, ethnic, religious, age-based or sexual nature.

The use of property such as bulletin board, computer, desk, or advertising space for the purpose of displaying material that is demeaning to or derogatory of a person because of his or her race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation – including material intended as humor.

Bring for the purpose of sharing or communicating with staff or other volunteers any material that is demeaning to or derogatory of any person because of his or her race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation – including material intended as humor.

Communicating to any staff or volunteer any comment that is demeaning to or derogatory of any person because of his or her race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation – including material intended as humor.

The Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued guidelines setting forth the Commission’s interpretation regarding sexual harassment as a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These guidelines are consistent with Open Kitchen and Redmond UMC’s belief that conduct creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment will not be tolerated and those violating this practice will no longer be able to volunteer.

Sexually harassing conduct, whether physical or verbal, is prohibited – including all staff volunteers, and guests. Such conduct can include repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances, propositions, continual or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s appearance, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, and the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures.

Anyone who feels that she or he is being subjected to harassment is urged to take the following actions:

Confront the person and tell him/her to stop. Explain the feelings evoked by his/her actions and explain in detail the behavior that should be stopped. Write down your version of all incidents, communications and responses with as much detail as possible. Keep this documentation for future use if needed.

If Step 1 does not end the harassment or you are reluctant to present either an oral or written complaint to the harasser, please speak with the Volunteer Coordinator or pastor as soon as possible.

All complaints will be investigated confidentially and promptly. No information will be released to anyone not directly involved with the investigation. The accused will be given full opportunity to present her or his side of the story but will be told not to discuss it with the accuser or in any way retaliate against the accuser for having complained. It may be necessary to interview witnesses, but all investigations and interviews will be confidential (to the extent feasible).

Should the investigation disclose that harassment has occurred; the harasser will no longer be able to volunteer. Should it be determined that no harassment has occurred, no volunteer will be disciplined or retaliated against for having made a confidential and good faith complaint.

In other words, we take sexual harassment seriously. We want the soup kitchen to be a safe and comfortable environment for everyone –volunteers and guests alike. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to a coordinator.

Press Policy

It is the goal of this soup kitchen to provide a safe, confidential environment for people to both receive services and offer their assistance. In order to do so, the following guidelines are in place to protect the confidentiality of clients, volunteers, and staff.

Photographing, videotaping or audio taping of clients, volunteers, and staff may be conducted on premises by press or other public relations media. Approval for filming, photographing or audio-taping clients, volunteers, and staff members must be secured from a program coordinator and church pastor before any filming etc. takes place. Photographing and taping may only be done with the expressed permission of persons being taped or photographed. General filming or photographing of clients in the dining room or kitchen is only allowed when permission of all persons involved is secured. Any photos or film of clients that will be used for publicity purposes by the agency or press contact must secure written approval by the client.

Interviewing of clients, volunteers or staff may be conducted by press or other public relations media on premises or via telephone. A program coordinator and the church pastor must approve all interviews with clients, and a coordinator should be present at any interview with clients and volunteers.

Weather Closings

During bad weather, volunteers are not forced to come in to serve. At no time should individuals put themselves at risk brought on by dangerous weather conditions or slippery/icy roads. An announcement will be placed on this website (www.openkitchenredmond.com) if the soup kitchen will be closed. If you do not feel safe or feel uncomfortable with the conditions, please leave a message with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining our team in the important work of feeding the hungry. It is important that all volunteers adhere to these Volunteer guidelines and verbal instructions that may be issued from time to time that are not yet a part of this document. As a volunteer, you are truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your contributions will be invaluable.